Chronic anthropogenic disturbance alters litter decomposition and nutrient concentrations and stocks across a Caatinga dry forest chronosequence

Abstract

Litter decomposition plays a key role in the cycling and storage of nutrients in terrestrial ecosystems. However, very little is known about decomposition processes and their underlying drivers in tropical dry forests, particularly in human-modified landscapes. Here, we evaluate decomposition rates and nutrient concentrations and stocks in the litter of a Caatinga dry forest chronosequence, in northeast Brazil. Litter decomposition was monitored for a year across forest stands of varying ages and old-growth forests. The litter decomposition rate was highly variable across forest stands, although on average decomposition occurred slowly, with approximately 50% of the initial litter mass still present after one year. The decomposition rate is responsive to forest type and negatively affected by chronic disturbance. Litter nutrient concentration decreased along the decomposition process, exhibiting a nutrient-specific mineralization rate. Response to drivers was also nutrient specific, with precipitation and chronic disturbances playing prominent roles. Nutrient stocks in the remaining litter were higher in old-growth forests, and final stocks of certain nutrients also responded to multiple drivers. Our results suggest that the Caatinga dry forest experiences a slow rate of litter decomposition and mineralization, although rates exhibit considerable variability across forest stands and environmental conditions. Thus, chronic disturbance plays a role by either facilitating or reducing litter decomposition, mineralization rate, and the stocks transferred to the soil. Consequently, these factors have implications for nutrient availability, including goat consumption and subsequent loss of nutrients.